Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men say they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. That’s a joke, but it is fairly common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and discuss possible solutions.
Exploring the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Women and children have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It is the most common kind of hearing loss.
A person might observe they can pick up on quiet noises, yet struggle to hear what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. The typical frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it difficult to hear consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound jumbled.
Here are a few other sounds that may be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This problem can be an element of age-related hearing loss. What’s more, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
If you frequented loud concerts and had substantial noise exposure from work or the environment, it can play a part. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Heart disease is connected as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids may impede the development of their speech and language skills. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but acquiring hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can set your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or chatting with your grandchild can be enhanced. Most modern hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound personalization. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.